‘BAE can still fly high in wake of jobs cuts shock’

Planemakers BAE Systems will soar above current problems which could lead to almost 300 managerial job losses in Lancashire, business chiefs predict.

Up to 286 managerial roles could be at risk in the company’s Military Air & Information arm in the county.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said BAE Systems was operating in a tough global market.

But the company was looking to the future with its major apprenticeship progamme.

Ms Murphy said: “It has to do everything it can to ensure it is as efficient and effective as it can be, which is what this latest announcement is focusing on.

“I am confident the company will do everything in its power to mitigate these potential job losses at its Lancashire sites to ensure it retains these skills for the benefit its business and the wider economy. It is heartening to see BAE Systems taking on more than 100 apprentices at its training centre in Preston, who started last month, and commit to taking on more next September and for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, Fylde MP Mark Menzies met with senior managers in Warton and offered to suport the company in any way he could.

Mr Menzies said: “I was extremely disappointed to hear about these potential job losses, and we must not forget that behind these numbers it is people and their families who are affected.”

BAE chiefs have offered to try to relocate staff wherever possible – including Barrow, which is recruiting.

But one worker said: “With big uncertainties about the future, productivity is low unless working on the JSF (Typhoon). We need stronger management.”